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Zarafa Camp

5 star 5 star 5 star 5 star 5 star

Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four tented suite camp located on the private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, which together with Duba Plains and Selinda Camps, is one of only three Relais & Chateaux properties in Botswana. Overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds. 

This exquisite camp is the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm while ‘bio gas’ plants recycle waste into usable cooking gas. Zarafa Camp has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials and its careful appointments. 

Selinda Reserve, at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas, boasts staggering wildlife populations year-round. Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, Red lechwe, zebra and giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog (which usually den each dry season near camp), cheetah, roan and sable. And for birders, it will not disappoint. Our nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight, as are the antics of the Black egret on the shores of Zibadianja Lagoon. From camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon and elephant wander through regularly. Night noises will either lull you to sleep or wake you from a deep slumber. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of a wilderness wonderland. 

Features

TYPE:
Accommodation
LANGUAGES:
English
NO. ROOMS:
ROOM TYPES
Suites (4 rooms)
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa (1 unit/villa)
4
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Adventure
Big 5
Birding
Fishing
Flora
Gourmet
Leisure
Nature
Relaxation
Star Gazing
Wildlife
Wine
PROPERTY FACILITIES:
24-hour Security
Bar
Battery Charging Facilities
Communal Dining
Eco Friendly
Gym
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Kiddies Club
Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Library
Pool
Private Vehicle Available
Restaurant
Spa
ROOM FACILITIES:
Balcony / Deck
Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing Gowns
En-Suite
Fan
Fireplace
Hair Dryer
Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Lounge Area
Mini Bar (Complimentary)
Mosquito Nets
Outside Shower
Plunge Pool
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
AVAILABLE SERVICES:
Credit Card
ACTIVITIES ON SITE:
Big 5
Bird Watching
Boating
Catch-and-release Fishing
Fine Dining
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Massages
Night Drives
Practice Green
Safaris
Walks (Guided)
Wildlife Tours
ACTIVITIES OFF SITE:
Helicopter Rides
FRIENDLY:
Children
Honeymoon
Leisure
Luxury
Romance
Vegetarian
Weddings
GUIDANCE:
Game Drive (Max 4 pax with window seats)
Game Drive (Max 6 pax with window seats)
Private Game Drive Vehicle Available
Private Restaurant Dining
Seasonal Activities
Sole Use Available

Room

Suites (4 rooms)

Zarafa Camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each suite is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and far from a neighbour. The 305 square metre marquis style' canvas guest suites are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three spaces of the suite is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent's foundation.

Upon entry is a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, armchairs, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area. Exiting the bedroom, a beautiful copper gas fireplace is strategically placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to allay the chill of the winter months. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, the raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower, complete with wrap around showerheads! The private verandah, running the length of the front of the suite, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping view of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.

Each tent comes with its own professional camera body and zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then downloaded as a souvenir at the end of your stay.

Unit

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa (1 unit/villa)

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an immense 210 square metres (2,260 sq ft) in extent, is under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Central to The Dhow Suites are a full lounge and dining area fitted dining table, coffee table with cappuccino machine and a full-length leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms are connected to either side of the main area designed with an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins and even an open fire, with copper flue, to heat the room in winter. A large decking area fronts onto the suites with a 5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool, exercise bike and outdoor showers for each room, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. The adjoining main camp has a curio shop for those who need retail therapy and an in-room massage is also available.

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